EU Member States must triple efforts to decarbonise by 2050 reveals new EU Climate Policy Tracker

A new tracker tool launched today by WWF and Ecofys reveals that only a third of the necessary action needed today to put EU countries on a path towards a low carbon economy by 2050 (reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95%), is currently being undertaken.

The report and accompanying website called the Climate Policy Tracker for the European Union, provide for the first time an up-to-date snapshot of greenhouse gas emission controls across the EU using a Member State-by-Member State and sector-by sector analysis. “The Climate Policy Tracker is a powerful tool that measures the impact of policies and how effective they are. It allows people to easily identify the policy sectors which need more attention and where action is most effective in reducing emissions”, says Niklas Höhne, Director of Energy & Climate Policy at Ecofys.

The Climate Policy Tracker reveals large differences in levels of ambition and best practices across EU countries when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions; however the report shows that overall the results are weak. “The deep cuts needed for 2050 have to happen across the economy. Member States need to scan their full policy portfolios to address weaknesses. They also need to commit to improving their implementation of EU policies, since 40% of results hinge on European legislation”, says Jason Anderson, Head of Climate & Energy Policy at WWF European Policy Office.

EU Member States must triple efforts to decarbonise by 2050 reveals new EU Climate Policy Tracker | Tomorrow is greener

David Attenborough to host 'Hope 4 Apes' evening

On 6 December, Sir David Attenborough will host an evening with leading ape conservation experts, highlighting the plight of the apes and the reasons for optimism. Funds raised will support ape conservation

David Attenborough to host 'Hope 4 Apes' evening | Environment | guardian.co.uk

The Netherlands: ODENH Invests 3 Million Euros in New Offshore Wind Turbine

The Development fund for Sustainable Energy North Holland (Ontwikkelingsfonds Duurzame Energie Noord-Holland (ODENH) has announced that it will invest € 3 million in the development of a new offshore wind turbine with a capacity of 5MW or more.

The new turbine will be a direct drive permanent magnet wind turbine and will be developed and marketed in cooperation with Dutch and Korean partners. For the cooperation Korwind Nederland will be established. For the development of the new turbine an amount of € 30 million is needed.

The Netherlands: ODENH Invests 3 Million Euros in New Offshore Wind Turbine >> Offshore Wind

Toyota Announces 4-layer All-solid-state Battery

Toyota Motor Corp unveiled a prototype of its all-solid-state battery Nov 18, 2010, in Japan. It is a laminated cell measuring about 10 x 10cm.

Four sets of positive electrode layers, solid electrolyte layers and negative electrode layers are laminated, and the average voltage of the cell is 14.4V (3.6V x 4). Because Toyota exhibited the cell right after it was charged, it output a voltage of 16.26V (4.065V per layer).

The positive electrode, negative electrode and solid electrolyte of the prototyped cell are made by using lithium cobalt dioxide (LiCoO2), graphite and sulfide, respectively.

Toyota is actively engaged in the development of all-solid-state batteries and lithium-air batteries as next-generation batteries. Especially, when an all-solid-state battery is in an ideal state, its lithium spreads faster than electrolyte, making it theoretically possible to realize a high output power.

Furthermore, all-solid-state batteries are safer than organic electrolytes, which burn at high temperatures. And because they do not contain a liquid material, their packages can be simple.

Toyota Announces 4-layer All-solid-state Battery -- Tech-On!

Recycled Content Surfaces by Environite

A new company operating out of the Pacific Northwest, Environite Building Products, recently introduced its signature solid-surface product, Environite. It's a cast-to-size material made with roughly 90% recycled content -- recycled glass and discarded post-consumer and post-industrial materials -- and both VOC- and styrene-free, according to the company. Environite is available in several colors.

Recycled Content Surfaces by Environite

New Report: Latin American Green City Index

The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) of the news magazine The Economist and Siemens released a The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) of the news magazine The Economist and Siemens released a Latin American Green City Index measuring sustainability of 17 key cities in the region. EIU is a prominent research and intelligence firm that delivers business and intelligence to more than 1.5 million decision-makers from global companies, financial institutions, governments and universities. This new report is likely to be highly influential.Latin American Green City Index measuring sustainability of 17 key cities in the region. EIU is a prominent research and intelligence firm that delivers business and intelligence to more than 1.5 million decision-makers from global companies, financial institutions, governments and universities. This new report is likely to be highly influential.

The United Nations says Latin America is the most urbanized region of the world with 81 percent of people living in cities compared to 40 percent globally. This study was conducted specifically to focus on urban environmental issues, both best practices and environmental concerns that that have resulted from a lack of environmental governance, rapid urbanization and degraded infrastructue. The report highlights best practices and its analysis is a sort of “state of the environment” for cities in order to help them learn from one another. The report includes a detailed analysis of Curitiba, ranked first overall for its efforts in sustainable transport. The iconic city was recently featured at a film screening and panel discussion hosted by EMBARQ (the producer of this blog) and became the headquarters of the newly launched Latin American Association for Bus Rapid Transit and Integrated Transport Systems.

Latin American Green City Index

Stella McCartney Launches Eco-Friendly Website With Green Tips

Calling all fashionistas looking for eco-friendly merch! Stella McCartney launched a re-vamped website today that features opportunities to shop, as well as look into the personal life of this vegetarian and animal friendly designer.

The site sells McCartney’s collections, which include accessories, ready-to-wear, and lingerie, and features sections like ”What’s New,” “Private Wardrobing,” and “Shop By Look.” Users can also use the site to go beyond online shopping, and reserve an item for pickup at their nearest store. Or, if they aren’t able to buy, they can use social networking platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, to “Like” items or tag favorites within the site.

But in addition to browsing new styles, the website offers an inside look into McCartney’s personal life. Click on the “Stella’s World” tab and you’ll find a “Green Me” section where McCartney shares Daily Green Tips, pieces of her environmental philosophies, and answers questions about the green production process of her designs.

There’s also a “Charity” section which highlights a few of the organizations that McCartney collaborates with— PETA, Meat Free Monday, and (RED) to name a few.

Stella McCartney Launches Eco-Friendly Website With Green Tips « ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

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